contact 2 11 indian subcontinent
TRANSCRIPT
Power solutions help ease Delhi’s traffic woes 06Helping integrate renewable energy into the grid 09Powering the Cairo Metro 15Turbocharging solutions for Indian Railways 20Longmeadow, a shining example of ABB environmental best practice 34
Railways: Efficient and sustainable transportation solutions
The customer magazineof ABB in India,
Middle East & Africa
2|11
contact
2 contact 2|11
solutions that impact all of us.
ABB in India has gained a reputation
for being an ideal partner for the
railways sector, based on its domain
expertise, extensive range of products
and systems and professional service
backup.
India’s railway network has grown
to more than 64,000 route km. It
now transports approximately 2.5
million tonnes of freight and 19 million
passengers every day. The potential
for ABB products and solutions for
the railways and the rapidly expanding
metro network in India is immense.
We hope that you find this issue of
Contact an interesting read.
Best regards,
Bazmi Husain
Power solutions Help ease Delhi’s traffic woes
Railways Effi cient and sustainable transportation solutions
Dear friends,
The business scenario in India
has become increasingly competitive,
complex and diverse. It is imperative for
organizations to consistently improve
efficiency in all its operations. In order
to remain competitive, companies must
continuously innovate each facet of their
business and ensure reliability for their
deliverables.
As transportation is one of the
lifelines of civilization, this issue of
Contact focuses on efficient and
sustainable railway transportation
solutions in India, Middle East and
Africa.
ABB offers comprehensive power
and automation solutions that facilitate
the global transportation industry
to improve efficiency and speed of
their operations. Our wide of portfolio
products and systems and know-
how enable us to offer cutting-edge
technologies for developing safe,
reliable and cost-effective transportation
From the country manager and managing director
Bazmi Husain
Country Manager and
Managing Director,
ABB Limited, India.
contact 2 |11
06 16
Contact, Quarterly news magazine from ABB, © 2011, web: abb.co.in, email: [email protected], Publisher: ABB Group, Layout and production: Adsync, Bangalore, India, Cover picture: Dubai Metro, Dubai, UAE.
3contact 2|11
Local news 04 Proven solution for reliable power
06 Power solutions help ease Delhi’s traffic woes
World of ABB 09 Helping integrate renewable energy into
the grid
11 Efficient solution for gold mining
News and stories 12 ABB names Frank Duggan to Group Executive
Committee
13 Helping expand potash production from the
Dead Sea
Cover feature 16 Efficient and sustainable transportation
solutions
20 Turbocharging solutions for Indian Railways
23 Powering South Africa’s Gautrain
Prestige project in focus 26 Strengthening the power network in Kuwait
29 Improving reliability for the GCC interconnection grid
Product news 30 Improving weld quality with ArcPack
31 ABB robot ramps up productivity
For a better world32 Powering electric vehicles at Davos summit
33 Marine technology for new super seaway
ABB showcase facility34 Longmeadow, a shining example of ABB
environmental best practice
Table of contents
26 Strengthening the power network in Kuwait Commissioning Kuwait’s first 300/400 kV substation
34 Longmeadow
A shining example of
ABB environmental best
practice
4 contact 2|11
Local news
Key benefi ts: Seamless restoration of power in case of natural calamities, temporary load increase on an existing substation, forced outages due to failure of substation equipment and during maintenance of existing substation
Hindalco Industries Ltd (HIL) will be
provided four sets of 90 KA, 600VDC
Diode Rectifier Systems along with the
132 KV switch-yard and the SCADA
(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisi-
tion) system for the 52,000 tonnes per
annum expansion project at its plant in
Hirakud, Orissa, India. The rectifier sys-
tems are designed to offer high levels
of efficiency with minimal losses to opti-
mize energy consumption in the plant.
The scope of supply includes four
sets of diode rectifier systems, local
and master control panels, DC Measur-
ing Systems (FOCS), complete 132KV
Proven solution for reliable powerReliable DC power for Hindalco Industries smelter at Hirakud, Orissa, India
switch-yard and SCADA system. The
order bagged by the power electronics
business is an example of “One ABB”
with the coming together of ABB in
India, China and Switzerland in supply-
ing products and solutions. The proj-
ect is to be executed in 12 months. ABB
had previously executed the pot-line 4
project at the Hindalco Hirakud smelter
for 2x90KA, 850VDC in 2006. HIL has
shown the trust in ABB by placing the
order for the expansion project. Smaller
inventory maintenance and being accus-
tomed to ABB control philosophy were
other factors for the order.
Mr. Girija Prasad Panda, DGM-Proj-
ects, HIL, said “We gave this order to
ABB, because of its quality, reliabili-
ty, professionalism in execution of such
projects and strong service support”.
ABB rectifiers will be used as a main
DC power supply source to the Hindal-
co pot-line at Hirakud. The pot-line
capacity will be 235KA, 600VDC. ABB
will supply water cooled rectifiers with
AC800PEC controls and FOCS. The
rectifier is built with ABB standard 12
pulse Rahmen design and N-2 semi-
conductor redundancy. The rectifier
cubicles and AC 800PEC panels are to
be manufactured by ABB in Bangalore,
India.
Hindalco Industries Limited, the met-
als flagship company of the Aditya Bir-
la Group is the world’s largest aluminium
rolling company and one of the biggest
producers of primary aluminium in Asia.
Hindalco is Asia’s largest integrated pri-
mary producer of aluminium and among
the most cost-efficient Aluminium pro-
ducers globally.
Mobile substation provides failsafe power
Mobile substation provides power reliability
ABB has recently unveiled two
mobile substations for Haryana Vidyut
Prasaran Nigam Ltd (HVPNL). The sub-
stations are of 66/11 kV and 132/11 kV,
with 16/20 MVA transformer are com-
missioned at the Cyber City in Gurgaon
and Karnal in the state of Haryana.
The mobile substation assures ser-
vice continuity at any place and any-
time. It will stay energized with no addi-
tional equipment, and can also be used
as a high voltage bay on a mobile truck.
The mobile substation delivers ener-
gy transmission within a few hours after
its positioning. The few necessary steps
required to switch on the substation are
earthing the system, connection to the
incoming line and connection to the out-
going line.
The mobile unit that integrates all
functions of a substation is assembled
on two trailers. The high voltage (HV)
trailer consists of HV switchgear, pow-
er transformer, station transformer while
the medium voltage (MV) trailer con-
tains MV switchgear, HV control and
relay panel, the AC and DC distribution
boards, battery panel and rectifier, all
kept inside an air conditioned container.
All the HV equipment like circuit breaker,
disconnector, and current transformer
are encapsulated in one module called
Hybrid Switchgear (also known as PASS
or Plug and Switch System).
Other features of the mobile substa-
tion include local and remote facilities
for the equipment usage, fast,
low-voltage interconnection between
trailers, a plug and socket system and
all its protection and measurement func-
tions enclosed inside.
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Local news
System upgrade enhances plant performance
Operator cum engineering station at Imlai grinding unit
Partnering for success in Bangladesh
ABB is collaborating with Energypac
to manufacture and sell value added
products in the medium voltage domain
to the domestic Bangladesh market
under the branding tag, “Powered by
ABB”. Energypac is ABB’s channel and
business partner in Bangladesh for low
voltage products, power products and
power systems businesses.
“Powered by ABB” is a marketing ini-
tiative for ensuring higher market accep-
tance for select ABB Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs). This has been
implemented especially in power prod-
ucts, medium voltage domain.
OEMs bring forth the advantage
of extensive local presence, ability to
make design adaptations and flexi-
bility to reach remote and niche mar-
kets in countries where ABB has limited
local presence. This partnership com-
mences with 11kV air insulated pan-
els using ABB supplied components like
circuit breakers, protection and control
components.
The contract is also complement-
ed by a supply agreement with ABB’s
medium voltage power products fac-
tory in Nashik for sourcing of the com-
ponents and for technical support. This
association is expected to help ABB
in tapping the growing local market for
distribution switchgear in Bangladesh
and in facilitating growth across its other
business divisions in the country.
Energypac is a leading manufac-
turer of electrical power equipment in
Bangladesh having local manufactur-
ing facilities for indoor switchgear pan-
els, outdoor components and power
transformers.
Inking the agreement with Energypac
The minerals business of ABB in India
recently executed an upgrade to 800xA
Distributed Control System (DCS) from the
existing system for Cement Mills 1 and 2
for HeidelbergCement India Limited’s Dia-
mond Cements unit situated in Imlai village
of Damoh district in the central Indian state
of Madhya Pradesh. The major customer
benefi ts are enhanced plant performance
and reliability, equipment reliability, impro-
ved operation effectiveness, equipment
failure record for root cause analysis.
The upgrade involved replacement of
the existing instruments and new fi eld
transmitters, I/O and controller panels.
Erection, cabling and cable tray laying
were also in the scope.
The ABB team executed the project in
three and four days for Cement mills 1 and
2 respectively and got accolades for com-
pletion before the contractual duration of
seven days.
The existing electrical panels were 20
year old conventional type without proper
technical drawings. The ABB team had
prepared the I/O connections list collec-
ting data from site after actual physical
verifi cation. The laying of the tray and the
cables were done in diffi cult areas during
plant running condition while taking proper
safety measures.
HeidelbergCement India Limited is a
subsidiary of Cementrum I. B.V. (a com-
pany incorporated under the laws of The
Netherlands, which is 100 per cent cont-
rolled by HeidelbergCement AG).
HeidelbergCement Group with its core
products being cement, ready mixed con-
crete, aggregates and related activities, is
one of the leading producers of building
materials worldwide, and it employs
around 46,000 people in more than
50 countries.
For more information: www.abb.com/controlsystems
6 contact 2|11
Power solutions help ease Delhi’s traffic woes
Providing reliable power solutions to Delhi Metro
ABB’s MicroSCADA installationsmonitor DMRC field equipment andsystems, warning operators of potentialfaults, giving them time to avoidmajor repairs and service interruptions. This enhances the lines’ performance anddrives costs downward.
Solutions for management of
power networks are helping
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
(DMRC) commuter trains run
smoothly and efficiently, reducing traf-
fic congestion, pollution and road acci-
dents for the long-suffering citizens of
India’s capital city.
ABB has a long history of supplying
network control and substation automa-
tion. Thousands of ABB MicroSCADA
systems have been installed worldwide.
Delhi’s metro system has both ele-
vated and underground sections. Each
of its 59 stations has an electrical sub-
station, supplying power through ABB
switchgear. ABB MicroSCADA systems
are essential for monitoring and main-
taining a reliable electricity supply for
the entire network, said Delhi Metro’s
Electrical Director, Satish Kumar, and
since the first line started up in 2002,
“There’s been no problem.”
“ABB equipment is playing a sub-
stantial role in maintaining the reliabili-
ty of power supply for Delhi Metro,” he
said, adding that ABB will integrate the
entire rail network, Phase 1 and Phase
2, with a SCADA system protecting
power supply.
“By the end of this year, reliability of
our power supply system will depend
entirely on ABB technology,” said
Mr. Kumar, “Continuity of power supply
is very important to us, because other-
wise it can lead to chaos. The SCADA
system helps in supervising, identifying
and taking alternative means of ensuring
power supply in a very short time.”
Since 2007, Delhi Metro has oper-
ated three lines using 65 kilometers of
track and 59 stations, its air-conditioned
coaches carrying more than 500,000
people each day. Phase II has added
an additional 124.6 km of track and 83
stations to the network as of 2010. It is
estimated that total network will soon
serve almost 2.0 million passengers-
trips each day.
ABB’s MicroSCADA installations
monitor the metro’s field equipment and
systems, warning operators of poten-
tial faults and giving them time to avoid
major repairs and service interruptions,
enhancing the lines’ performance and
helping keep costs down.
The system interconnects all stations
and ties the main receiving and traction
substations to a central control center
and a back-up control center.
The metro is expected to have
removed 40,000 cars, buses, two-
wheelers and auto-rickshaws from Del-
hi’s roads, reducing carbon dioxide
emissions by nearly 4000 tonnes, and
cutting travel time for the city’s commut-
ers by an average of 66 minutes.
For more information: www.abb.com/railway
Local news
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Protecting Mumbai from storm water hazards
On 26th, July 2005, the city of
Mumbai was hit by a cloud burst, a
severe rainstorm in a very short peri-
od. The water logging brought the mega
metropolis to its knees resulting in a
huge damage to life and property.
To prevent the occurence of such an
event in the future, the Brihanmumbai
Municipal Corporation devised a system
of existing and new canals with forced
pumping by giant pumps and stand-
by power generators. This project was
devised by Grundfos who chose ABB
as a vendor for automation with AC 500
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).
The major customer benefits are flexible
communication options, cost effective
de-centralized solution with CS31 BUS
and common PLC programming soft-
ware - PS501. Lower downtime, higher
production capacity and quick delivery
time were other advantages accruing to
the customer.
ABB’s newest PLC, the AC500
offered a very high level of performance
and scalability within a single concept.
AC500, PLC DigiVis 500
DigiVis500 software is an easily acces-
sible solution in the development of
supervision applications.
The main application was level con-
trol and monitoring for IRLA Forebay
Level via control of 8 numbers of 500
kW pumps with 5 metering gates and 8
sluice. The main requirement from the
customer was communication with dif-
ferent devices and total, reliable solu-
tion from one source. The challenge was
communication between ABB PLCs, 4
diesel generators, 15 energy meters and
a common SCADA. The ABB solution
consisted of 3 AC500 PLC systems,
each consisting of PM581-ETH PLC
CPUs, I/O’s connected on CS31 Bus, 2
CM574-RS connected with 15 energy
meters on Modbus RTU, DigiVis500 HMI
connected to the AC500 CPUs via OPC
server over ethernet. The programming
solution consisted of PS501 - one com-
mon software for all 3 CPU systems,
monitoring and control through Digi-
vis500 SCADA.
For more information: www.abb.com/plc
Power quality success for FIAT
An ABB power quality solution has
boosted the power factor at the Fiat car
factory in India and brought significant
productivity benefits. The solution com-
prises of two power technologies, PQC-
STATCON and DYNACOMP that pro-
vide fast and smooth dynamic reactive
power compensation and solve a vari-
ety of industrial network power quality
problems.
“We are happy to inform you that
with ABB’s STATCON and DYNACOMP,
we are able to maintain an average
monthly power factor above 0.995. This
has undoubtedly improved performance
of our plant loads by improving the total
power quality”, said Rakesh Baweja,
Associate Vice President, Fiat India.
Besides network stability and ener-
gy savings, the improved power fac-
tor has also reduced maintenance in
the welding shop and lowered the wast-
age of costly electrodes. In addition,
the solution’s innovative power save
mode restarts automatically when loads
are sensed, thereby saving on auxiliary
power and eliminating manual starts.
PQC-STATCON is an IGBT-based
technology that provides ultrafast
dynamic reactive power compensation
with a response time of only 20-30 mil-
liseconds. It provides smooth, step-
less compensation by generating induc-
tive or capacitive power, and is the ideal
solution for improving power quality in
weak networks. The ABB solution also
includes DYNACOMP, an advanced thy-
ristor-switched capacitor that provides
ultra-rapid and transient-free power fac-
tor compensation for the low voltage
network.
The result of the ABB solution has
been the stabilization of the site’s power
network, a significant decrease in pow-
er consumption, the avoidance of pen-
alties from the grid operator for con-
suming excessive amounts of reactive
power, improvements in welding consis-
tency and productivity, and less mainte-
nance in the welding shop.
Local news
8 contact 2|11
World of ABB
System 800xA to integrate the process and power devices
ABB’s System 800xA Extend-
ed Automation controller has received
KEMA certification for its IEC 61850
electrical integration interface. IEC
61850 is the global communication
standard for power distribution and sub-
station automation. System 800xA’s
unique ability to integrate wide variety of
intelligent electronic devices provides a
single platform for process and electrical
systems, resulting in significant opera-
tional and energy efficiency benefits.
The IEC 61850 standard, along with
other emerging technologies, has low-
ered the investment barrier for custom-
ers to integrate the process and pow-
er devices on their plant floors. The
demand for integrated process and
power automation is growing in tradi-
tional markets that are heavy energy
users, such as oil and gas, power gen-
eration, pulp and paper, minerals and
metals industries.
By integrating power and process
systems on the common 800xA plat-
form, customers optimize the design
and performance of their electrical and
automation systems and see addition-
al benefits in reduced maintenance,
engineering and overall lifecycle costs.
According to leading research and advi-
sory group, ARC, typical savings can
result in a 20 per cent reduction in
System 800xA control room
ABB will be collaborating with Canyon
Offshore for trenching services to support
our subsea high-voltage cable installation
projects. This partnership will further
strengthen ABB’s project capability in this
specialized and growing market.
ABB is one of the world’s leading high-
voltage cable manufacturers, with
extensive knowledge and experience
across a range of applications including
offshore wind farm connections, oil and
gas platform power links and subsea
interconnections.
Established in 1996 and now part of
Helix Energy Solutions Group Inc, Canyon
Offshore is an innovative and reliable
marine contractor with specialized solu-
tions for underwater and unmanned
services in extreme environments. The
company has an expanding fl eet of purpo-
se-built trenching vessels and access to a
large fl eet of dynamically positioned ves-
sels capable of responding to extreme
weather conditions.For more information: www.abb.com/highvoltage
Collaborating with Canyon Offshore
Modernization project to improve grid reliability
ABB has taken up a project to help
improve grid reliability and network control.
This includes upgradation of the automa-
tion and protection systems in 25
substations for the Brazilian power distri-
bution utility, Light SA.
The project is part of an extensive
modernization program being carried out
by the utility in the Rio de Janeiro region to
improve grid reliability as part of the prepa-
rations for the Soccer World Cup in 2014
and the Olympic Games in 2016.
ABB will install substation automation
systems comprising of a range of protec-
tion and control equipment within the
substations. Installations will include over
1,250 relays from the RELION® family of
intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), modu-
lar relays from the COMBIFLEX® range and
a MicroSCADA Pro supervisory system.
This solution will help improve reliability
of power supplies and grid stability in the
metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro. The
Flexible AC transmission systems (FACTS)
system will also enable remote monitoring
and control of the substations bringing effi -
ciency and cost savings to the customer.
Light SA is Brazil’s fourth largest electri-
city distribution company. It distributes
electricity across one quarter of the state
of Rio de Janeiro, serving approximately
3.9 million customers.
For more information: www.abb.com/
substationautomation
CAPEX (capital expenditures) and OPEX
(operating expenditures) by integrating
these two, usually separate, automation
infrastructures.
ABB’s extended automation System
800xA has improved industrial produc-
tivity, safety, and operational profitabili-
ty for customers from process industries
such as oil and gas, petrochemicals,
pulp and paper, cement, and mining to
traditional electric and water utilities to
alternative energy production such as
solar, waste-to-energy and bioethanol.
KEMA is a global provider of busi-
ness and technical consulting, oper-
ational support, measurement and
inspection, testing and certification for
the energy and utility industry.
For more information: www.abb.com
controlsystems
9contact 2|11
World of ABB
ABB will supply an HVDC Light® (high-
voltage direct current) converter solution to
support the interconnection of the Norwe-
gian and Danish power grids. The project
is for utilities Statnett of Norway and Ener-
ginet.dk of Denmark. The 500 kV (kilovolt)
link is a new record in transmission voltage
using this technology.
The underwater link will boost trans-
mission capacity and will enable both
Norwegian and Danish networks to add
more renewable energy to their energy mix
and to use electricity more effi ciently.
ABB will design, supply and commis-
sion two 700 megawatt (MW) converter
stations based on the company’s leading-
edge HVDC Light® technology. The HVDC
Light® solution will boost power capacity,
enable better load balancing in both grids.
It will also reduce the impact of power sys-
HVDC Light solution to boost power capacity
Helping integrate renewable energy into the grid
tem disturbances and contribute to the
stability and reliability of the grids. The
higher voltage level will also help minimize
transmission losses.
HVDC Light® continues to be a prefer-
red choice for underground and
underwater long-distance power intercon-
nections as well as new applications, such
as providing mainland power supplies to
islands and offshore oil and gas platforms,
city center in-feeds where space is scarce,
and more recently in the integration of
renewable energy generation from sources
such as land based and offshore wind
farms.
Controllability, compact modular
design, ease of system interface and mini-
mized environmental impact are some of
the key advantages of this technology.
These systems help overcome distance
and grid constraints while ensuring robust
performance, power quality while minimi-
zing electrical losses.
For more information: www.abb.com/hvdc
Traction transformers for BombardierABB has developed a highly compact,
lightweight and powerful traction transfor-
mer for Bombardier’s new locomotive.
Especially designed for North America, the
dual-powered locomotive ALP45DP can
switch from electric to diesel mode auto-
matically, without interrupting power supply
to the coaches.
To provide North American railroad
companies with the fl exibility to benefi t
from increased electrifi cation, Bombardier
recently developed the ALP45DP (ALP -
American Locomotive-Passenger)
dual-powered locomotive. As it can switch
automatically between two fuel modes and
because of the tunnel restrictions for diesel
operation, this will lead to shorter and
more comfortable rides for the passengers.
For the ALP45DP, ABB designed a
traction transformer that is 25 percent ligh-
ter than conventional designs with the
same technical requirements, weighing
around 10 tons.
Unlike other dual-powered locomotives
that usually travel short distances and have
only one engine, the ALP45DP is a long-di-
stance locomotive with two high-speed
engines, which means space for com-
Powering mobility for Bombardier
ponents like the traction transformer is
severely reduced. The transformer can
operate in three electrical systems (12 kV
25 Hz, 12.5 kV 60 Hz and 25 kV 60 Hz)
and incorporates two high-power auxiliary
transformers and two reactors, which dis-
tribute the power to the coaches for
lighting, heating, air conditioning, toilets,
passenger information systems and other
electrical requirements.
The transformer also withstands
intense thermal shock caused by instanta-
neous acceleration when the locomotives
go from zero to full throttle instantaneously.
For more information: www.abb.com/
transformers
10 contact 2|11
Ultrahigh-voltage transformers for China
Increased efficiency in wind turbine manufacturing
To strengthen the power transmission
grid of China, ABB will design, supply, ins-
tall and commission 800 kilovolt (kV)
ultrahigh-voltage direct current (UHVDC)
transformers for a converter station for
China Southern Power Grid Co. Ltd.
This converter station will form part
of the Nuozhadu-Guangdong
transmission system.
The 800 kV UHVDC transformer is a
key component of ultrahigh-voltage power
links that deliver large amounts of electri-
city over very long distances. UHVDC
technology enables more effi cient use of
renewable energy sources, reduces
dependency on fossil fuels and helps cut
carbon dioxide emissions. It is particularly
suitable for large countries like China,
where the centers of power consumption
are often far from power sources.
China Southern Power Grid is one of
two leading state-owned utilities in China
responsible for building and operating the
power grid in the southern part of
the country.
For more information: www.abb.com/hvdc
A robot-based surface fi nishing con-
cept for rotor blades reduces paint shop
energy consumption by up to 60 percent
and paint consumption by 25 percent
compared to alternative methods.
Wind turbine rotor blades are subjected
to continuous levels of stress and environ-
mental attack. Hence they require a special
surface coating that has to be perfectly
applied with micrometer precision at the
specifi ed thickness and smoothness. Poor
fi nishing will lead to surface fatigue, blade
degradation and reduced turbine output.
The cost and logistical complexity of repai-
ring or replacing a rotor blade, especially at
sea, is huge.
To minimize these risks ABB has deve-
loped a fully automated robot-based
concept that applies the coating with
micrometer precision. The concept is
available in either a stationary or mobile
variant, to meet the needs of both large-
scale and smaller scale manufacturers.
Unlike conventional paint shops, the
ABB solution combines a highly compact
footprint with a uniquely energy-effi cient
ventilation system that extracts the chemi-
cals and recycles 95 percent of the air,
thus reducing energy consumption to a
minimum.
Building on the success of the con-
cept, ABB has since developed a mobile
portal-based variant that can paint even
longer rotor blades of 80 meters or more in
length. The portal is self-contained with all
process equipment onboard, and has a
remarkable productivity rate, about four
times that of a manual paint shop.
For more information: www.abb.com/robotics
An ultra high voltage transformer
ABB robots painting a wind turbine
ABB Facts series capacitors
Revitalizing the grid in northern Scandinavia
ABB FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission
Systems) technology is helping to streng-
then power transmission capacity and
security in northern Finland and Sweden.
ABB has installed two turnkey series capa-
citors for the Finnish transmission operator,
Fingrid Oy, to increase the capacity and
security of its 400 kilovolt (kV) power trans-
mission system.
Series capacitors are part of ABB‘s
family of FACTS technologies and are an
important part of a larger grid investment
package in northern Finland, which is
designed to increase Fingrid‘s transmission
capacity to neighboring Sweden by some
200 megawatts (MW).
Rather than building new transmission
lines, Fingrid opted to increase the capa-
city of its existing power network with a
solution that could stabilize the network
and at the same time meet the increasing
market demand for power transmission
between northern Finland and Sweden.
The series capacitors installed feature
an ABB innovation known as CapThor™
that comprises of a very fast high-power
plasma switch working in parallel with a
fast mechanical switch. This combination
provides compact, fast-acting protection
against disturbances in the grid, such as
lightning strikes which could damage the
series capacitor. The device is unaffected
by the environment, and may be used for a
wide range of voltages.
For more information: www.abb.com/facts
World of ABB
11contact 2|11
New testing facilities for oil and gas drive systems
ABB will provide gearless mill drives
and electrical systems to Corporacion
Nacional del Cobre de Chile (Codelco), the
world’s biggest copper producer. These
solutions will increase productivity and
lower energy consumption for Codelco
at the Mina Ministro Hales mine in
northern Chile.
The scope of supply includes three
drive systems, one 12 megawatt (MW)
system and two 8.9 MW systems. In addi-
tion, the order includes 220 kilovolt (kV)
gas insulated switchgear, and three contai-
nerized rooms to house 23kV gas insulated
switchgear, auxiliary services and power
transformers as well as project enginee-
ring, installation and training.
ABB pioneered the development of
gearless mill drives that address the pro-
duction challenges faced by mine
operators.The world’s fi rst gearless mill
drive was delivered by ABB in 1969 and is
still in operation providing cost-effective,
energy-effi cient performance with proven
long-term reliability.
For more information: www.abb.com/mining
Increasing productivity and lowering energy consumption
Gearless mill drive
An ABB solution is enabling the highly
energy-intensive ore-grinding process at
Australia’s largest gold mine. This process
is the most powerful of its kind in the world
The solution has been operating success-
fully since March 2010 at the Boddington
Gold Mine in Australia, which was recently
modernized and reopened by owners
Newmont Mining Corp.
A key part of the process is the ultra-
powerful ABB variable speed drive system
that controls the four huge high pressure
grinding rolls (HPGRs) that grind the rock
into optimally sized pieces that can be fed
to the ball mills for further processing into
gold and copper. These HPGRs are effi ci-
ently controlled by an ABB drive system,
consisting of eight units and each of the
unit is made up of an ACS1000 medium-
voltage drive of 2,800 kW, converter
transformer and squirrel cage induction
motor.
Made by Polysius, these HPGRs are
the biggest in in the world and can grind
up to 2,100 tons of material per hour.The
drive system enables the HPGRs to grind
hard abrasive rock more productively, more
energy effi ciently and with less wear and
tear on the machinery than conventional
crushers and mills. ABB variable speed
drive systems have the fastest torque and
speed response time of any technology on
the market. They continuously adjust the
speed of the grinding rolls in response to
micro-second fl uctuations in voltage and
changes in size or type of media.
For more information: www.abb.com/drives
Efficient solution for gold mining
Medium Voltage AC Drives ACS 1000
ABB has recently established world-
class electromechanical equipment test
facilities at the headquarters of CESI (Cen-
tro Elettrotecnico Sperimentale Italiano) in
Milan, Italy. These facilities will be used to
test the load capacity and reliability of large
motors and medium voltage drives used in
a range of oil and gas applications, from
offshore platforms to remote production
sites.
ABB worked in close cooperation with
CESI to develop the test facilities, which
will help to meet the increasing demand
from OEMs and end-users. The new facili-
ties enable ABB to deliver certifi ed
equipments as per the requirements of the
oil and gas industry where full load testing
of electrical equipment is required.
The facilities will also allow testing of
new equipment such as variable speed dri-
ves and a complete lineup of adjustable
speed drive systems (the medium voltage
ensemble of switchgear, transformer, con-
verter, electrical motor and fi lters). Full load,
no load, heat run, vibration and noise tests
will also be performed in accordance with
International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) standards and vendor’s requirements,
including the strictest standards driving the
oil and gas industry.
CESI is a market leader in testing and
certifi cation of electromechanical equip-
ment and power systems in more than 35
countries all over the world.
For more information: www.abb.com/oilandgas
ABB testing facilities at CESI
World of ABB
12 contact 2|11
ABB names Frank Duggan to Group Executive Committee
ABB technology enables underground power production
News and stories
ABB has appointed Frank Duggan
to the Group Executive Committee as
Head of Global Markets, a role that
represents the company’s market and
regional organizations at the company’s
top management level. Duggan suc-
ceeds Michel Demaré in this position.
Demaré will focus on his role as
Chief Financial Officer following a return
to growth in ABB’s global markets.
Duggan has been manager of ABB’s
India, Middle East and Africa region
since 2008. India was assigned to this
region in 2009. He retains this role in
addition to the new position which he
took over on March 1, 2011.
“Michel has done a great job in
establishing a pivotal role for Global
Markets as a channel through which
the needs and opportunities of our
global market organizations are brought
to the Group level, and in contributing to
the resilience of our markets in turbulent
times,” said CEO Joe Hogan. “It is now
the right time to transition this role to
Frank Duggan. His deep understanding
of the priorities of mature and emerg-
ing markets, his attitude and his passion
for ABB will all be very valuable at an
important time for our growth ambitions
and to strengthen our customer focus.”
Duggan joined ABB in 1985 and has
held a variety of roles including glob-
al management positions in the Process
Automation division, and country man-
agement roles in Europe and Asia. Dug-
gan will continue to be based in Dubai,
and the other seven regions of the Glob-
al Markets organization will report
to him.
Frank Duggan
ABB will build two underground sub-
stations for Qatar General Electricity
and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), the
electricity and water operator in Qatar,
to help meet increasing residential and
commercial demand for power in the
capital city of Doha.
The substations will be practical-
ly invisible to the public and form part
of the first phase of Musheireb, the key
project of Dohaland, which is a subsid-
iary of the Qatar Foundation for edu-
cation, science and community devel-
opment. The project will include an
underground pedestrian area, car parks
as well as historic and new buildings.
ABB will design, supply, install and
commission two 66 kV (kilovolt) gas-in-
sulated switchgear (GIS) substations as
well as transformers, 11 kV metal-clad
air-insulated switchgear and cables.
The substations will be equipped with
ABB automation systems and the lat-
est generation of protection and con-
trol products, compliant with the IEC
Safe, compact and efficient underground substation solution
61850 global substation communica-
tions standard.
Kahramaa is rapidly expanding and
enhancing its power grid to meet grow-
ing demand for power in the region. Its
transmission grid comprises about 200
primary high-voltage and extra-high
voltage substations as well as hundreds
of kilometers of overhead lines and
underground cables. The distribution
network includes about 6,500 low and
medium-voltage substations, supported
by more than 4,500 kilometers
of cables.
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News and stories
Helping expand potash production from the Dead Sea
Electrical, control and instrumentation package helps raise productivity and efficiency for the Arab Potash Company
Satellite image of the southern basin of the Dead Sea, with the APC salt ponds on the right and
the Israeli salt ponds on the left, separated by a central canal that is also the international border
between the two countries. The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, with a
salinity level of 33.7 percent, about ten times that of the average sea or ocean. Source: NASA.
Process automation sys-
tems from ABB are help-
ing Arab Potash Company
(APC) expand its extensive
potash production and port facilities at
the Dead and Red Seas in Jordan to
become one of the most productive and
efficient in the world.
ABB provided an electrical, control
and instrumentation package to help
boost capacity at APC’s warehousing
facilities at Aqaba by the Red Sea and
make the storage and loading process
faster and more efficient. The long con-
veyor system, three stackers and two
reclaimers are now controlled by a Sys-
tem 800xA distributed control system
that helps deliver a loaded product of
consistent quality.
As a result of the two System 800xA
automation systems at the potash refin-
ery at Safi in the Dead Sea and Aqa-
ba, and the ongoing modernization of
existing facilities APC will have a lead-
ing-edge process automation system
that integrates all automation functions
at the sites into a single engineering and
operations environment enabling facili-
ties to operate more efficiently and with
considerably less cost.
APC is one of the world’s major sup-
pliers of potash, a vital plant and crop
nutrient used in agricultural fertilizer all
over the world. The company’s vast
salt ponds extend over 112 sq.km at
the southern end of the Dead Sea, and
its potash refinery at Safi on the banks
of this hypersaline mineral-rich lake is
capable of producing 2,500,000 tons.
Processing potash from saltwa-
ter is a long and complex process
that takes around 12 months to com-
plete. The highly saline water in the APC
salt ponds is slowly evaporated by the
heat of the sun to produce a miner-
al-rich slurry called carnallite, which is
then processed into potash at the Safi
refinery.
APC recently completed a large
modernization and expansion proj-
ect at Safi to enhance the efficiency of
the refining process and boost capac-
ity by 25 percent from 2 million tons
to 2.5 million tons a year. The existing
hot leach and cold crystallization plants
were upgraded and a second cold crys-
tallization plant was built.
The three plants are the heart of the
refinery. There, the carnallite is dewa-
tered, crystallized, leached, dried, and
screened into three grades of potash.
Each stage of the refining process at the
new plant is controlled and optimized
by a state-of-the-art System 800xA dis-
tributed control system that monitors
and manages process information from
3,500 input/output channels.
The project at Safi follows the recent
modernization and expansion of APC’s
warehousing facilities at Aqaba by the
Red Sea, where the potash is stored,
ready for loading onto bulk carriers for
shipment to markets all over the world.
For more information: www.abb.com/
controlsystems
14 contact 2|11
ABB adds sparkle to the Cullinan diamond mine
ABB in South Africa will be ensur-
ing optimum performance of the mine
winders at the Cullinan mine, owned
by Petra Diamonds, a major supplier
of rough diamonds to the international
market. The contract is for the mainte-
nance and the electrical inspections of
the mine winders.
ABB has a dedicated team of
specialists who will carry out the ser-
vice maintenance and electrical inspec-
tions of the mine winders. The service
contract is for four inspections and rou-
tine maintenance for the next five years.
These services are important for
the upgrading and expansion of mining
infrastructure and in assisting mines to
use energy more efficiently.
The Cullinan mine is the third richest
diamond producing mine in South Africa
and also the world’s main supplier of the
highly valuable blue diamonds.
The recent acquisition of Coilmech,
Optimizing mining with technology and products
a mine hoist related business, is part of
ABB’s drive to create greater awareness
of our mining technologies and product
range. The acquisition extends our local
engineering and manufacturing capabil-
ities and demonstrates ABB’s commit-
ment to local mining market.
For more information: www.abb.com/mining
Catering to the growing power needs of Bangladesh
Supporting the rapid power
capacity addition of Bangladesh, ABB
will construct a new 230 kV substa-
tion with one and half breaker scheme.
ABB will be joining hands with Power
Grid Company of Bangladesh Limited
(PGCB) for the extension and renova-
tion of the substation at Fenchuganj and
for the upcoming power island at Syl-
het district along with the extension of
Strengthening Bangladesh’s power network
the Comilla substation. This includes the
design, supply, installation, testing and
commissioning of these substations.
This follows another project received
by a consortium led by ABB for 132 kV
grid substations at Munshiganj, Megh-
naghat, Madigan and Hasnabad. This
order was funded by Japan International
Credit Agency (JICA) under their Asian
Clean Energy Fund. The substation will
help improve grid reliability and improve
energy efficiency.
ABB’s solution for the projects
include large power transformers, high
and medium voltage products, control
and relay panels, substation automation
system and fibre optic telecommunica-
tion system.
The rapid increase in power avail-
ability has necessitated correspond-
ing strengthening of the national grid.
PGCB is coming up with projects which
have requirements for fast delivery so as
to coincide with new power plants com-
ing on stream and facilitate the power
offtake into the grid. The current proj-
ect will evacuate approximately 300 MW
of power to be generated at the upcom-
ing Independent Power Plant (IPP) at
Bibiyana. The ongoing project of Megh-
naghat and Munshiganj similarly evac-
uates approximately 600 MW pow-
er to feed the local load, especially the
industries.
ABB is also helping to improve the
distribution network of Dhaka by add-
ing approximately 800 MVA. Though
the long term focus is on gas and coal
based power plants to address the
acute power shortage, the government
has undertaken emergency measures
by temporarily permitting setting up of
peaking and rental power plants across
the country. As a result, a capacity of
close to 1,000 MW will be shortly added
to the grid, followed by a similar quan-
tum addition in the next fiscal year.
News and stories
15contact 2|11
ABB technology provides monitoring solution for Oil India
The Oil and Gas (O&G) business for
ABB’s Process Automation division in
India bagged an order for a Superviso-
ry Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
from Oil India limited (OIL), one of India’s
leading energy companies. This project
is similar to the ONGC Enterprise wide
SCADA project being executed by ABB.
The real benefit of the project lies
in providing OIL managers real-time,
on-demand access to all the technical
information across the facilities around
Oil India’s Duliajan office in the eastern
state of Assam.
The scope of deliverables in this
project includes a Master Control Center
(MCC) at Duliajan. The master control
room will be equipped with a video wall,
web servers and main SCADA servers
with human machine interface (HMI) for
seamless operation. Oil India Limited’s
facilities like oil collecting station, early
production system, water injection, cen-
tral tank farm, gas collecting stations
and electrical substations around a 40
km radius of the central office in Duliajan
will be linked by the ABB solution.
Each facility will have SCADA termi-
nal, Foundation Fieldbus based AC800F
remote terminal unit (RTU) and field
instrumentation whereas the electrical
substation will have a RTU with numeri-
cal relay retrofitting. The scope of instru-
mentation includes water cut meters,
mass flow meters, pressure, differential
SCADA control room enables real-time monitoring of OIL assets
pressure and temperature transmitters.
Oil India Limited has been an ABB
customer for the last 13 years and
already has a pipe-
line SCADA system
(SPIDER) from ABB
installed in 1998 for
transport of crude oil.
This was upgraded
in 2008 with Network
Manager by expanding an additional
655 km product pipeline control.
Oil India Limited is the oldest oil
company in India with its history tracing
up to 1890 for the first oil well Drilling
Powering the Cairo Metro
The ABB team who performed the overhauling job
ABB in Egypt has undertaken the
complete overhauling for 150 ABB
medium voltage circuit breakers and
20 kV type HB of rectifier stations for
Egypt’s Cairo Metro Line #1. Metro Line
#1 has a capacity for 1.5 milllion pas-
sengers a day. The project covered 16
stations from Sayda Zenaib station to
Helwan station. Most of the circuit brea-
kers were supplied between 1982 -1988
and were in need for overhaul. The
rehabilitation of circuit breakers helped
increase their lifetime, reduced the pos-
sibility of emergency faults and helped
in achieving stability in the power supply
network.
The ABB team worked during the
power shutdown phase from 1 am to
5 am and their efforts were appreciated
by the Cairo Metro management.
For more information: www.abb.com/
mediumvoltage
at Digboi in Assam state of India. The
company named as Assam Oil Compa-
ny by then was converted to Oil India in
1958 by Government of India. The com-
pany produced 3.7 mtpa of crude oil
last year.
For more information: www.abb.com/scada
Solution will help OIL oversee its facilities from the master control room in real time
News and stories
16 contact 2|11
Efficient and sustainable transportation solutions
ABB is a world leading supplier of innovative and reliable technologies to train manufacturers and railway operators. This includes rolling stock, infrastructure as well as FACTS, network management and SCADA systems. ABB also provides service, maintenance and retrofit.
ABB powers the Dubai Metro
Power and automation offerings
from ABB contribute in improv-
ing the lives of more than two bil-
lion people in the 74 countries in
the Indian sub-continent, Middle East, and
Africa. As the growing need for movement
of people and goods has made mobility
an important aspect in this region, ABB
highlights its commitment to efficient and
sustainable transportation solutions.
Mechanized movement of goods is a
prerequisite for concentration of industry
and hence modern manufacturing meth-
ods. Similarly, the existence of large cit-
ies depends on the reliable transportation
Cover feature
for people, and continuous supply of food
and other necessities.
Growing urbanization is increasing strain
on infrastructure and adding to conges-
tion. Concerns over air quality, CO2 emis-
sions, limited reserves of fossil fuels, and
the spatial footprint of conventional modes
of transportation are calling for cleaner and
more efficient solutions.
Railways are well positioned to meet
these requirements. Within city areas, sub-
urban railways and metros make an impor-
tant contribution to relieving road conges-
tion while offering a low carbon footprint,
and if electrified, zero emissions at point
of delivery. Many booming metropolises
are facing the challenge and opportunity
of creating new systems from scratch.
Through its expertise in the power and
automation sectors, ABB can offer many
products and technologies to the railway
industry. Electric railways are major con-
sumers of electricity, and this consump-
tion can fluctuate strongly and in short
time periods. Grid management tech-
nologies ensure power is delivered reli-
ably while maintaining the stability of the
supplying grids. To transfer power from
grids to railways and to support the oper-
ation of both, ABB provides substations
17contact 2|11
and components (including transform-
ers, frequency converters, switchgear,
and FACTS devices). For the trains, the
offerings include traction transformers,
switchgear, motors, converters, power
semiconductor devices, and turbocharg-
ers for diesel locomotives.
ABB has grown its rail activities consid-
erably in recent years, becoming a major
supplier for several of the leading train
manufacturers and rail operators. The
technologies and equipment serve in all rail
applications, ranging from high speed and
suburban railways, to metros, trams, trol-
leybuses and freight. Service, maintenance
and retrofits all form part of the offering.
Since the beginning of the railway indus-
try in the 19th century, ABB and its pre-
decessor companies have been introduc-
ing new technologies, localizing products
and services that improve the efficiency of
an operating railway. We supply compo-
nents and retrofit solutions for diesel and
electrical locomotives, and power prod-
ucts to transmit, monitor and control pow-
er to the traction sub-stations for electri-
fied networks.
With rapid urbanization, scope for met-
ro rail solutions has emerged all across
India, Middle East and Africa and we are
well poised to support these schemes
having gained experience and a leader-
ship position with urban transport proj-
ects in India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa,
and UAE. ABB offers intelligent and reli-
able power supply networks for 25,000V
AC overhead metro power lines in Delhi
and Mumbai, as well as 750V DC metro
lines in Dubai, Bangalore, and trolley bus
system in Riyadh.
Our technological prowess, global pres-
ence, application knowledge coupled with
local expertise provides products, systems,
solutions and services for building efficient
and sustainable rail networks.
Cover feature
18 contact 2|11
Overview of ABB’s railway capability
A global approach with local presence
With about 124,000 employees we are close to customers in
around 100 countries. ABB has been present in India, Middle
East and Africa region since 1926 when its first office opened
in Cairo, Egypt, more than eighty years later ABB has major
offices in all key countries in this region, employing nearly
12,000 people with manufacturing and engineering
centers in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, South Africa, and the
United Arab Emirates.
Key deliverables
− Complete substations and turnkey AC and DC rail power
systems, FACTS, network management and SCADA
− Traction and trackside power and distribution transformers
− Main and auxiliary converters, battery chargers
− Traction motors and generators
− High, medium and low voltage products and systems
− Semiconductors
− Turbo chargers for diesel locomotives
− Static frequency converters
− Traction rectifiers
Cover feature
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Turnkey infrastructure solution and propulsion package
ABB is able to construct and install complete, turnkey
trackside power supply systems for rail networks, offering
a wide variety of innovative and reliable products for every
aspect of rail infrastructure. Onboard trains, ABB’s propulsion
package includes the design, manufacture and supply of all
the main traction components. This offers the best overall
solution and optimisation in costs, reliability, weight, size and
energy efficiency.
Efficient customer service around the globe
ABB has a global network of services for railway providing
the possibility to get tailor made and lifecycle services
for rolling stock and infrastructure. ABB’s broad range of
services consists of spare parts, maintenance, upgrades
and retrofit, on and off customer site. A customized bundle
of services is available based on the customer’s operating
needs, on demand when needed or in multi-year service level
agreements.
For more information: www.abb.com/railway
ABB is a world leading independent supplier of innovative and reliabletechnologies to train manufacturers and railway operators. This includes rollingstock and infrastructure as well as FACTS, network management solutions and SCADA systems. ABB also provides service support, including maintenance and retrofi t.
Cover feature
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The exhaust gas of a die-
sel or gas engine is an useful
resource, capable of produc-
ing up to fourfold gain in engine
power, lowering costs and reducing fuel
consumption. These exhaust gases of
a diesel engine are used to drive a com-
pressor via a turbine and force com-
pressed air into the cylinder increasing
the power output of an engine. Thanks
to this relatively simple principle, turbo-
charging contributes nearly 75 percent
of the total output of an engine.
The ultimate goals of turbocharged
engine development are higher pow-
er and efficiency - two areas in which
the ABB TPR turbocharger makes
a vital contribution. ABB developed
the powerful TPR especially for mod-
ern 4-stroke diesel engines used on
heavy-duty locomotives, with features
that meet the technical, environmen-
tal and cost requirements of the trac-
tion market well into the next decade.
With the TPR model, ABB offers railway
operators a turbocharger, that com-
Turbocharging solutions for Indian RailwaysIndian Railways is the biggest customer for turbochargingin India. ABB turbochargers and turbocharger components are powering IR’s diesel 750 HP to 4500 HP locomotives. TPR61 turbocharger for railway applications VTC high performance compact turbocharger for
diesel engines
bines highest performance and reliabil-
ity with fuel economy and environmental
compatibility.
Indian Railways (IR) operates
approximately 10,000 passenger trains
and transports 20 million passengers
and 2 million tons of freight every day
covering total rail network of 64,215
route Kms. More than 70 per cent of
IR’s rail network is catered to by a fleet
of more than 4000 diesel locomotives.
Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW), Vara-
nasi and Diesel Loco Modernization
Works (DMW), Patiala are two major
manufacturing hubs for diesel locomo-
tives in India.
ABB is the world leader in turbo-
charging diesel and gas engines in the
500 kw plus power range. Worldwide,
more than 190,000 ABB turbochargers
are in operation - on ships, in power sta-
tions and gensets, on diesel locomotives
and large off - highway trucks. A global
network of 110 service stations ensures
close proximity to our customers and
fast, top-quality service around the clock.
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Energy efficient turbocharging solutions for Indian Railways
75 per cent of a diesel engine’s power relies on one vital component, the turbocharger
Reliable, high quality power is key
to keeping the Dubai Metro running
smoothly. ABB’s Substation Control and
Monitoring Systems (SCMS) and low-
voltage products are working together
to deliver reliable power to red line
stations of Dubai Metro - a driverless
metro network that is pegged as the
world’s longest fully automated metro
system to be completed in one phase.
The metro network is 75 kilome-
ters long and will carry 23,000 passen-
gers per hour, per direction. The service
has started with 12 trains on the tracks,
which will go up to 44 once remaining
stations are operational next year.
As part of a long-term frame
agreement with Dubai Electricity and
Water Authority (DEWA), ABB has
designed and installed Substation
Control and Monitoring Systems (SCMS)
for three 132/33 kV gas insulated
switchgear substations for Dubai Met-
ro. The first two installed substations
are currently supplying power to all red
line stations, whilst the third substation
- installed in March 2009 - will supply
power to the entire Green line once it is
operational in 2012.
ABB’s SCMS technology is designed
to increase energy efficiency and grid
reliability for the entire electrical network
by using a powerful set of tools to moni-
tor and manage power quality. The sub-
stations also feature fault recorders and
tariff metering systems to carefully mon-
itor performance and ensure smooth
operation.
Meanwhile, ABB’s main distribution
panels are responsible for the prima-
ry power distribution to the low-voltage
network, which feeds the power distri-
bution, lighting and HVAC (heating, ven-
tilation, air-conditioning) systems within
each metro station. The primary cab-
inets and motor control centers are
designed using the ABB branded
ArTu-K switchgear system.
Helping move the first automated metro in the Middle East
Indian Railways is the biggest
customer for turbocharging in India. The
solutions offered are supply of new tur-
bochargers to diesel locomotive pro-
duction, spares for turbochargers at all
zonal railways, Overhauling and work-
shop services for latest generation of
turbochargers, rehabilitation program
and design improvements keeping in
view changing locomotive operation-
al conditions for enhanced reliability and
availability.
ABB turbochargers and turbocharg-
er components are powering IR’s diesel
750 HP to 4500 HP locomotives. Cur-
rently, more than 100 nos. VTR250, 700
nos. VTC 304 and 1500 nos. TPR61
model of turbochargers are operating in
IR’s fleet of diesel locomotives. The fleet
is increasing every year with supply of
approx. 300 turbochargers from ABB’s
Vadodara production facility. ABB turbo-
chargers are an obvious choice because
of long time between overhauls (TBO) of
approximately 6 years, reduced
specific fuel consumption (SFC), high
efficiency, integral turbine, uncooled gas
casings, optimized single entry gas inlet
casing, wide compressor map, unique
patented foot fixation, high thermal effi-
ciency to the tune of 70 per cent when
coupled with compact, robust and rigid
construction.
We are equally involved in future
developments of diesel locomotives at
Research Design and Standards Orga-
nization (RDSO) for technical upgrades.
Our technical team collaborates in vari-
ous projects of RDSO - emission reduc-
tion program, suitability check, turbo-
charger for BG 1350 HP Engine - to
name a few.
ABB turbocharging is the preferred
vendor for all the locomotives aimed for
export because of wide spread service
network across the region including 5 in
India, two in South Africa and one each
in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Senegal, Tan-
zania, UAE and others.
For more information: www.abb.com/turbocharging
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22 contact 2|11
Trains drawn by electric traction
on Indian Railways (IR) 20,000
Rail Kilo Meter (RKM) electrifi ed
network currently carry over
65% of freight traffi c and over 50% pas-
senger traffi c. ABB is partnering with IR
to modernize the traction converter tech-
nology deployed on IR’s fl eet of 3500
electric locomotives. With strong expe-
rience of manufacturing IGBT (Insulat-
ed Gate Bipolar Transistor) based con-
verters for railway applications globally,
ABB is helping Indian Railways modern-
ize its fl eet.
AC electric locomotives draw power
from single-phase 25 kV Over Head
Line (OHL), and converts it to a lower
voltage for vehicle propulsion and for
on board auxillary power supply. The
stringent physical demands on these
converters include ambient temperature
of 70 degrees celsius at start-up, voltage
variation range ranging from 16.5 kV to
31 kV and vibration severity of 4 g.
Traction converters for fi tment in IR’s
existing fl eet of locomotives, have to
be customized for shape, size, mount-
ing dimensions and orientation of the
product inside the limited space of the
machine room. Further, since the loco-
motive drivers are accustomed to a par-
ticular way of operating, the converters
have to be designed with software fea-
tures, protection and interface details
in order to maintain a standard look
and feel.
The 6000 HP propulsion convert-
er takes single phase 25 kV supply from
the OHL, to a PWM controlled three
phase voltage required by the six traction
motors, which provide traction power to
the vehicle.
IR’s three phase 6000 HP AC loco-
motives, employed thyristor based pro-
pulsion converters. However due to
demand of higher reliability and effi -
ciency, IR has launched a program to
upgrade the propulsion converters to
modern IGBT technology.
ABB’s BORDLINE® CC series water
cooled propulsion converter based on
low-loss HiPak™ IGBTs was selected
Modernizing electric locomotives
180kVA auxiliary converter
by IR for this upgrade for the following
reasons:
- Improvement in overall power con-
verter effi ciency due to lower semi-
conductor losses.
- Enhanced tractive effort perfor-
mance and availability due to use
of axle control and new generation
control system.
- Improvement in the quality of
motor current waveform leading to
reduced motor losses, torque ripple
and better ride quality.
- Use of water cooling and com-
ponents which comply with new
OHSAS standards make the equip-
ment more environment friendly
and safe.
The 180 kVA auxiliary converter,
takes single phase 25 kV supply received
by the locomotive, and converts it to
415 V three phase, for power required by
machine room auxiliaries on board the
locomotive.
In conventional IR locomotives, rota-
ry ARNO converters were used to gener-
ate 3-phase supply (3x415Vac, 50 Hz).
In addition to high maintenance require-
ments of such rotating machines, ARNO
converters have major drawbacks like
poor voltage regulation, low input pow-
er factor, low conversion effi ciency, pres-
ence of lower order harmonics at output
and no diagnostic facilities.
The power part of ABB’s convert-
ers are equipped with Power Electronic
Building Blocks (PEBB). PEBB is the new
paradigm for designing high reliability
static power conversion systems and is
a power electronics packaging concept
that replaces complex power electronics
circuits with a modular, intelligent, recon-
fi gurable and reliable power processing
platform. These PEBB modules togeth-
er with their hardware managers provide
an optimum solution for the high-speed
control requirements of demanding trac-
tion power conversion systems.
ABB is actively training IR personnel in
the new IGBT technology. We offer on-site
product training to the drivers and main-
tenance staff at locomotive-sheds across
India coupled with training programs in
IR’s electrical training college in Nashik.
For more information: www.abb.com/
powerelectronics
ABB is partnering with Indian Railways to modernize tractionconverter technology deployed on IR’s fleet of 3500 electric locomotives.
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Traction technologies from ABB
are powering South Africa’s
new high-speed railway, the
Gautrain, linking Johannesburg,
Pretoria and OR Tambo International
Airport, the country’s largest airport.
The 80-kilometer Gautrain Rapid Rail
Link brings high-speed commuter com-
munications to Gauteng province, the
smallest of the country’s nine provinc-
es, but the most important economically
and the most densely populated.
ABB is playing a vital role in the proj-
ect by providing advanced traction solu-
tions that will power the entire 80-km
line and the 24 electric trainsets that will
operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h.
The power to the line solution com-
prises one main feeder substation,
which steps down power from the grid
to the correct voltage, and five auto-
transformer paralleling substations
located at intervals along the track.
The entire ABB solution is designed
with exceptionally high levels of reliabil-
Powering South Africa’s Gautrain
Gautrain is a variant of Bombardier’s hugely successful Electrostar, all 1,600 cars of which are powered by ABB traction transformers and motors
ity, redundancy and safety to ensure
99.99 percent availability. The equip-
ment also has to withstand exposure
to pollutants, high levels of seismic and
lightning activity, and operate within a
large temperature range and at
high altitude.
Each of the 24 four-car electric train-
sets is powered by an ABB traction
transformer and a traction motor manu-
factured by ABB for train provider Bom-
bardier Transportation. The Gautrain is
a variant of Bombardier’s award-winning
Electrostar train, which is widely used
in the United Kingdom and powered by
ABB traction transformers and traction
motors.
ABB has modified the transform-
er design to meet specific requirements
of the Gautrain for high acceleration,
low noise emissions and adaptability to
the African climate. Chief among these
modifications is a huge increase in pow-
er of around 40 percent to boost the
train’s acceleration.
ABB traction technologies powers South Africa’s new high-speed railway, the Gautrain, linking Johannesburg, Pretoria and the country’s largest airport.
Cover feature
24 contact 2|11
Rolling stock traction solutions for optimized performance
High integrated traction packages for all rolling stock
ABB is a global player and one of the very few independent
suppliers of traction packages. This unique positioning and
strong local presence in all major rail markets helps ABB to
provide optimum solutions for vehicle manufacturers and train
operators.
Key advantages and customer’s benefits are :
- one single interface to the supplier
- total energy efficiency
- low life-cycle cost
- optimized dimensioning of components
- fast commissioning and homologation
Full service portfolio for rail customers
A typical customer’s installed base may have been built
up over a period of 40 years or more, and will reflect the
different prevailing technologies during that period. ABB has
hence developed a service portfolio to help customers face
this challenge. Thanks to its vast knowledge base, ABB can
provide service for rolling stock regardless of type or age.
Work performed can range from routine diagnosis and
maintenance to retrofitting, re-engineering and overhauls.
As a long term partner, ABB has a proven track record of
service packages with railway customers in which ABB
commits to improve the equipment performance and reduce
the operating life cycle costs.
Optimised electrical propulsion package to achieve superior performance
Design simulation for operating conditions Service provided close to the customer
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Infrastructure turnkey solutions for more capacity and power stability
Network management and SCADA systems
SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) automation
systems enable remote monitoring, control and operation of
traction power as well as data acquisition for traction
substations. ABB SCADA system is the customer‘s choice
for mainline and urban transport systems worldwide, due to
its proven reliability and flexibility.
FACTS solutions for improved power quality
Trains taking power from the grid must be able to rely on the
supply to be stable. Similarly, power quality in the grid must
not be impaired, despite harmonic generation and unbalance
between the phases of the load. Time as well as money can
be saved by implementing FACTS in existing systems rather
than investing in new transmission or sub-transmission lines,
and/or building new substations and feeding points.
Adequate power quality can also be achieved with in-feed
at lower voltages as it may be sufficient to feed a railway
system at 132 kV rather than at 220 kV or even 400 kV, which
enables a lower investment cost and in shorter time. FACTS
for railways comprises SVC, SVC Light® and Dynamic Energy
Storage.
Turnkey railway infrastructure solutions
ABB offers a comprehensive range of AC traction substations
for both 16.7 Hz and 50 Hz applications comprising single-
or two-phase feeder substations and switching posts,
autotransformer stations and substation automation (local
control and protection). For DC traction substations, ABB is
also an experienced partner taking care of system integration
such as rectifier substations up to 3000 V DC.
Turnkey power supply solution tailored to customer’s requirement
SCADA control room for a metro rail power system Outdoor substation module for mainline railway
Cover feature
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Prestige project in focus
Strengthening the power network in Kuwait
The three substations being
built by ABB will transmit an
additional 1500 megawatts
(MW) of power from the Subiya
power station presently under construc-
tion. Once complete, the three
substations will increase the country’s
transmission voltage from 300 kV to
400 kV. The Sulaibiya substation will be
able to serve more than fifty thousand
households via distribution substations.
The completion date for Sulaibiya
as well as the substations at Fintas
and Jabriya is also significant. All of
the substations are set to be energized
before the summer months, and
prior to Kuwait’s peak season for electri-
city usage.
400 KV gas insulated switchgear room at Sulaibiya substation
Kuwait’s first 300/400 kV substation in Sulaibiya district has been commissioned on 24, February 2011. It is the first of the three substations which are being built to strengthen the country’s power and transmission network. The three substations, in Sulaibiya, Fintas, and Jabriya, all rated 300/400 kV and are linked to the substation of the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA)’s substation in Kuwait.
The country has faced power shorta-
ges over recent summers due to the
increased load on the grid caused by
air-conditioning. The substations at
Sulaibiya, Fintas, and Jabriya, combined
with the additional power available to
the country over the GCC Interconnec-
tion Grid (another ABB project - see
page 29) will ensure that Kuwait will face
far fewer blackouts in future.
The Sulaibiya substation was inau-
gurated by His Excellency the Minister
for Electricity and Water, Dr. Bader Al-
Sherean on 24, February 2011 in
commemoration of Kuwait‘s 50th anni-
versary of independence and 20th
anniversary of liberation following the
Gulf War.
The substation itself is one of the lar-
gest ever to have been built in Kuwait.
The total space taken up could easily
cover five full-length football fields. This
is one of the largest substations in the
Gulf and Middle East region.
The major electrical equipment for
the Sulaibiya site was imported from
Switzerland and Germany. In total 24
bays of 400 kV Gas insulated switch-
gear with 72 Circuit breakers plus 13
bays of 300 kV Gas insulated switch-
gear with 39 circuit breakers were
installed at the site. In addition, ABB
also supplied the network protection
and control equipment currently ins-
talled at the site.
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Prestige project in focus
The substation includes four power
transformers with a capacity of 750
MVA. In total, ABB has imported twelve,
703,000 kilogram transformers to
Kuwait. The transformers, which mea-
sure 14.5m lengthwise by 17m width
wise and are 10.4m tall, are possibly the
largest ever installed in the Middle East.
The weight of a single transformer used
at Sulaibiya is equal to the weight of
450 passenger cars or the weight of two
fully loaded Boeing 747 airplanes. The
transformers, which are a story all in
their own right, had to be transported at
a speed of five kilometres an hour
through Kuwait’s streets at night to
avoid traffic congestion.
Substations are key installations in the power grid that
facilitate the efficient transmission and distribution of
electricity. They include equipment that protects and controls
the flow of electrical power. ABB has been designing
and building substations for more than 100 years. In that
time ABB has supplied some 5,500 air insulated and gas
insulated substations for all voltage levels and all climates,
from the densest downtown locations to the harshest
environments on earth. ABB engineers, manufactures
and delivers complete installations, and the company has
dedicated substation capabilities in around 100 countries.
ABB expertise in substations
28 contact 2|11
The Kuwaiti minister for Electricity and Water Dr Bader Al-Sherean being presented a memento at
the opening of the Sulaibiya substation
His Excellency the Minister for Electricity and Water for Kuwait Dr Bader Al-Sherean inaugurating
the Sulaibiya substation
In March 2009 ABB was awarded
the contract, worth $450 million, to
build the three substations. According
to Rainer Brauksiepe, Local Division
Manager for Power Systems of ABB
in Germany, the scope of this project
was unrivalled in a country the size of
Kuwait. “In a record time of two years,
an international team of engineers and
construction workers from Kuwait,
Germany, Switzerland and other
countries executed the building and
installed and commissioned the elec-
trical equipment at Sulaibiya. At
various times during the project up to
six hundred people were busy on this
site. We did not have a single serious
injury during this project,” he said.
For all those working on the pro-
ject, the highlight was the
inauguration of the substation by His
Excellency the Minister for Electricity
and Water Dr Bader Al-Sherean. “ABB
has been able to complete Sulaibiya
to the specifications of Kuwait’s Minis-
try of Electricity and Water. This would
have been remarkable had we been
working on only one substation,” said
Richard Ledgard, country manager for
ABB in Kuwait. “The fact is that we’ve
been working on two other substa-
tions which are just as large as
Sulaibiya at the same time. We’ve
proved beyond a doubt that we can
deliver to the highest standards des-
pite the challenges.”
ABB in KuwaitABB Kuwait has been involved in
some of the country‘s largest projects.
ABB Kuwait’s support has been key to
the successful completion of the GCC
interconnection grid project as well as
the first 400 kV substations in the coun-
try, at Sulaibiya, Fintas, and Jabriya.
Less than half a year back ABB made
history in Kuwait again following the sig-
ning for the building of the Mina
Abdullah water pumping plant. The plant
will pump about 1.5 million cubic meters
of water a day from two desalination
plants, more than doubling the country’s
fresh water supply. This increase in
capacity will support the needs of the
country as it looks to develop the eco-
nomy over the coming decades.
Prestige project in focus
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Improving reliability for the GCC interconnection grid
The GCC Interconnection grid
consists of over 900 kilometers
of double circuit 400 kV back
bone of overhead line links
from Kuwait, through Saudi Arabia with
taps to Bahrain via Submarine cable,
and Qatar. The grid is currently being
extended to the U.A.E and Oman.
Seven main 400 kV substations were
also built to link the four countries of
Phase 1 of the Project, between Kuwait,
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar.
As the Interconnection grid connects
the three 50 Hz systems of Bahrain,
Kuwait and Qatar with Saudi Arabia’s
60Hz system, one of the biggest HVDC
back-to-back convertor stations in the
world was built with a full capacity of
KUWAIT
AL-ZOUR
BAHRAINJASRA
DOHASOUTH
QATAR
AL-FOUHAH
IN OPERATION
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
SAUDI ARABIA
EXISTING LINE
M’HADAH
OMAN
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
SILAA
SALWA
GHUNAN
HVDC
ALFADHILI
1800MW through three convertors. This
links the grid to the main Saudi Arabian
60 Hz grid.
ABB won the contract for the six,
400 kV substations, which were built in
Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and
Qatar. The total value of the contract
was US$222 million making it one of the
largest substation orders ever awarded
to ABB. ABB was tasked with the
design and manufacturing of the equip-
ment, system engineering, installation,
commissioning and civil works.
The first interconnection
energization step took place in Kuwait
power system on the 17, February
2009. Kuwait’s Al-Zour substation
was energized by the GCC Interconnec-
tion Authority.
According to the GCC Interconnec-
tion Authority which manages the grid,
the GCC interconnection will provide
economical, operational and technologi-
cal benefits to the six countries that
make up the union.
The economic benefits include
improved security of supply and impro-
ved economic efficiency thanks to the
interchange of energy between the nati-
onal grids. Security of electricity supply
is one of the major spinoffs, particularly
in summer when demand for electricity
can exceed supply. The Interconnection
grid can provide countries with an alter-
native source for energy reserves and
support during emergencies.
Prestige project in focus
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Easy-to-use weld joint seam tracking system introduced
The newly integrated robotics solution with 10 times faster internal digital communication speed for robotised arc welding offers full integration of all welding equipment, easy programming andpowerful performance for automated welding applications.
The robotic welding package, ArcPack,
is designed to offer high quality welds with
minimum downtime. The package includes
ABB’s fifth generation IRC5 controller, the
touch screen interface FlexPendant, Robot-
Ware Arc programming software and an
IRB1410 industrial robot to deliver an inte-
grated solution for hassle-free arc welding.
The package is also provided with ABB’s
new RPC welding power source suited
for MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and MAG (Metal
Active Gas) welding automation.
The new RPC welding power source
ABB robotics has introduced Weld-
Guide® III, an adaptive sensing system that
performs weld joint seam tracking during
the robot arc welding process. The sys-
tem identifies variations in the weld joints
and dynamically corrects the robotic torch
path whilst in motion. Utilizing voltage and
current sensors, the system takes real-
time measurements through the welding
arc to make any adjustments necessary to
keep the robotic welding torch on the joint
path; regardless of the path programming.
A combination of hardware and soft-
ware, specifically designed for ABB’s
IRC5 robot controller, WeldGuide® III is
half the price of the Advance Weld Con-
troller (AWC) system (available from ABB
since 1994) and is very much easier to use.
Product news
Improving weld quality with ArcPack
Robotic welding package, ArcPack
WeldGuide® III uses adaptive, thru the arc sensing,
to keep the weld torch on the joint path
offers enhanced control of welding appli-
cations enabling manufacturers to spec-
ify process parameters such as voltage,
current and gas flow, managed via the
ABB FlexPendant controller. Using effi-
cient fieldbus-based communications, the
RPC power source internal digital com-
munication speed is 10 times faster than
previous models. It offers faster reaction
speeds and consistently smooth and reli-
able wire feeding for better control in MIG
and MAG welding applications.
Working at the centre of the ArcPack
solution is ABB’s IRB1410, a well-proven
and cost-efficient robot with a stroke and
reach accurate for arc welding applications.
It is based on the IRB 1400, which has
been installed in over 14,000 units world-
wide out of which most are arc-welding
applications. The IRB1410 is only deliv-
ered in the function package IRB1410 Arc-
Pack. The package combines these ben-
efits with those of the IRC5 world leading
robot controller including superior path
motion, user friendly FlexPendant pro-
gramming, flexible RAPID language and
powerful communication capabilities. This
provides manufacturers with the tools for
unmatched quality and improved productiv-
ity in arc welding installations. The welding
torch, wire feeder, bobbin plus the power
and signal cables, are also integrated with
the RPC power source and the IRB1410
robot. The ArcPack robotic welding pack-
age provides manufacturers with intelligent
controls to manage welding applications
in metal fabrication industries, from bicy-
cles, sporting goods, automotive parts to
agricultural equipment. The technology
can also be used to fabricate small and
medium size components.
For more information: www.abb.com/robotics
WeldGuide® III requires less initial program-
ming than traditional robotic seam track-
ing systems and is ideal for applications
on heavy weldments.
In heavy, high heat welds, WeldGuide®
III provides more precise path accura-
cy and better weld integrity than would
be achieved with standard welding sys-
tems. With the tracking system automat-
ically adapting to the part, WeldGuide® III
provides consistent welds, even on parts
where there is considerable part varia-
tion, providing far better throughput and
less re-welding.
WeldGuide® III is easy to use and so
cost effective that it is even appropriate
for the smallest welding and fabrication
shops. Primary application areas for Weld-
Guide® III on ABB robotic welding systems
include off-highway and agricultural equip-
ment, transportation, defence, and other
manufacturers that fabricate large, heavy
metal parts requiring longer, wider welds.
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The new IRB 2600ID robot with 15kg handling capacity increases productivity, simplifies programming and lowers overall operating costs in materials handling and machine tendingapplications.
An additional Integrated Dress-
ing (ID) robot has been added
to the IRB 2600 range of mid-
sized robots. The IRB 2600ID
with 1.85 metre reach has a 15kg pay-
load capacity and a total upper arm load
of 26kg. The new robot is designed with
materials handling and machine tending
applications in mind and comes complete
with a flexible conduit for routing cables
and hoses for signals, air and power inside
the robot’s upper arm and wrist.
According to Per Lowgren, product
manager at ABB, the current trend in indus-
trial robotic design is for integrated cables
in the upper arms of robots. A robot with
integrated dressing increases output and
lowers operational costs, but until now,
ID robots have been designed only for arc
welding. With its increased load capacity
the IRB 2600ID is well suited for applica-
tions such as case packing, machine tool
tending, small format palletizing, plastic
injection molding machine tending and
foundry parts handling.
“Integrated dressing” or the use of inte-
grated cables in the upper arms of robots
Product news
ABB robot ramps up productivity
brings several benefits to robotics opera-
tionslike operating at maximum speeds.
It also simplifies off-line programming, as
swinging cables do not need to be taken
into account when simulating robot sys-
tems. The complete robot program can
be made off-line resulting in a much fast-
er start of production. Using this meth-
od programming time can be reduced
by up to 90%. Cable and hose replace-
ment costs are decreased by 75% and
up to three production stops per year can
be eliminated.
With its compact design, the IRB
2600ID has a very small footprint. The
reduced risk of interference with other
robots allows for productive, high-den-
sity installations with 50% more robots,
and up to 50% higher output from a typi-
cal production cell.
The 15kg, 1.85m IRB 2600ID is avail-
able with ABB’s well proven IRC5 Robot
Controller and is fully supported by the
ABB robotics global sales and service
organization in 53 countries.
For more information:www.abb.com/robotics
IRB 2600ID-15/1.85 robot
32 contact 2|11
For a better world
Saving energy: The ABB way
Powering electric vehicles at Davos summit
Signifi cant savings will be seen at
ABB’s Santa Palomba site near Rome, as
ABB drives have been fi tted to fans and
compressors within the heating, ventilation
and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This is
in line with meeting the ABB goal of 2.5
percent per year energy effi ciency gains.
In the HVAC system inverters were
installed so that the operating frequency of
two motors could be reduced without
compromising the effectiveness of the sys-
tem. The introduction of another inverter in
the air conditioning ventilation system pro-
duced further savings.
The most signifi cant savings made at
this site, however, have been made by
installing a variable speed drive to the air
compressor and reconfi guring the operat-
ing logic so that the compressor now
works with maximum effi ciency.
The payback time of the whole pro-
gram is approximately one and a half
years. For some investments, such as the
inverter installed on the air fl ow intake, pay-
back comes within three months of
operation. This initiative will allows ABB to
achieve energy effi ciency goals, but it also
allows us to avoid 147,000 kg CO2 emis-
sions per year, equivalent to taking 50 cars
off the road or planting a 50,000 sq m
tropical forest to absorb the carbon
dioxide.
In 2008, the replacement of chillers in
the air conditioning system reduced energy
consumption by 1,000 megawatt hours
per year, representing a 15 percent saving
in the factory’s total electric energy
consumption.
For more information: www.abb.com/drives
Promoting sustainable transportation
methods, ABB technology is charging the
electric vehicles that are provided to polit-
ical and business leaders during the
World Economic Forum’s annual meeting.
Seven ABB charging units are
installed in the overnight parking lots
used to recharge the vehicles. In addition,
two ABB charging stations in the center
of town will keep a Nissan Leaf and a
Renault Fluence Z.E. topped up with
clean fuel and available for test drive.
The push for lower emissions and
also for quieter as well as less polluted
cities has prompted innovation in electric
vehicles.
ABB is developing a complete range
One of ABB’s AC charging stations at the Pavilion on the Davos Promenade recharging a Nissan Leaf during the World Economic Forum 2011.
of systems for charging the vehicles,
whether they are parked at the home or
offi ce, or during short stops to recharge
while on longer journeys. The range
includes fast chargers that use direct cur-
rent (DC) and low-voltage chargers that
use alternating current (AC), such as
those in Davos.
“The infrastructure needed to charge
electric vehicles and to ensure the grid
remains stable when their numbers
increase is crucial to the success of this
sustainable mode of transport,” said
Ulrich Spiesshofer, head of ABB’s Dis-
crete Automation and Motion division.
ABB has invested $10 million in ECO-
tality, a San Francisco-based developer
of charging stations and power storage
technologies, to enter North America’s
electric vehicle charging market.
The AC station can fully charge an
empty battery within 6 to 8 hours, while
the DC fast-charge station can charge a
vehicle within 15 to 30 minutes.
ABB’s DC fast-charge technology was
certifi ed as fully compliant with the widely
accepted CHAdeMO standard in 2010. It
is now installed in a pilot scheme at the
Hong Kong Science and Technology Park
in partnership with the China Light and
Power utility company.
For more information: www.abb.com/
powerelectronics
33contact 2|11
For a better world
Specialized solutions for marine vessels and systems
Marine technology for new super seaway
The first ever cargo vessel to
sail from Murmansk to Shang-
hai via the northern sea route
without the assistance of ice-
breakers - recently completed its
maiden crossing, cutting a 65-day jour-
ney on the return leg down to 19 days.
ABB’s Azipod® electric propulsion tech-
nology makes the year-round journey
possible.
The was completed by the Monche-
gorsk, one of a fleet of five ice-class
container ships owned by Norilsk Nickel,
one of the world’s largest mining and
metals companies. Prior to the Monche-
gorsk’s historic journey, vessels crossing
the frozen waters of the Northern Sea
Route had to travel in convoys and
needed the costly assistance of ice-
breakers. They also faced a 60-65 day
journey home via the Indian Ocean,
Suez Canal and northern Europe.
Now the journey time between
Dudinka and Shanghai has been cut to
19-20 days, without the icebreaker-es-
corted convoys which in turn saves
time, energy consumption, shipping
costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
This achievement is accomplished
with a combination of ABB’s Azipod®
azimuthing electric propulsion system
and Aker Arctic’s double-acting ship
(DAS) concept, which gives the con-
tainer ships the capability of an
icebreaking vessel and enables them to
operate at high levels of efficiency.
Azipod® and DAS an cut through 1.7
meters of level ice and more than 10
meters of ridged ice with considerably
less installed power and lower energy
consumption than conventional diesel-
driven vessels of the same weight and
hull design. This hull strength and Azi-
pod’s unique ability to rotate the vessel
360 degrees with full torque and thrust
in any direction creates the ultimate
solution for icebreakers and icebreaking
vessels.
ABB and Aker extended the concept
to freighters a decade ago with the
Tempera and Mastera, the world’s first
double acting oil tankers with icebreak-
ing capability. Now with the Norilsk
Nickel fleet of container ships, ABB and
Aker have successfully extended the
concept to yet another shipping
application.
For more information: www.abb.com/marine
34 contact 2|11
ABB showcase facility
Longmeadow, a shining example of ABB environmental best practice
Longmeadow is a shining example of a sustainable green building
ABB South Africa’s new headquarters, factory and logistics centre on a 96,000 square meters site at Longmeadow near Modderfontein, Johannesburg, is a shining example of a green building built with the very latest environmental concepts and technology.
The new headquarters, factory
and logistics centre for ABB in
South Africa located on a
96,000 square meters site at
Longmeadow near Modderfontein
demonstrates an impressive depth of
research and focus on design, construc-
tion, facilities management, automation,
recycling and ongoing minimal environ-
mental impact.
The Longmeadow facility reduces
energy through use of solar heating, the
recycling heat from air conditioning
motors, extensive use of “grey” water
and by implementing the building auto-
mation systems developed by ABB.
There is a rain water collection sys-
tem. The roof area of Longmeadow
amounts to 22,000 square meters and
is designed as a catchment. Should a
rainstorm deliver 10mm of rain, a total
of 2,200 litres of rain water will be diver-
ted from the roof catchment into two
attenuation ponds and fed to tanks from
where it can be used to water the gar-
dens and top up water features. A ball
valve system automatically distributes
this water.
A north-facing solar heating system
on the roof heats the water delivered to
the showers. This natural, free energy
source replaces the need for electrical
heating and does not produce carbon
emissions. Energy consumption for the
building’s heating system is also redu-
ced with a heat reclaim pump system
that captures hot air from the air condi-
tioning system and diverts it to
supplement the building’s boilers.
The building’s H-shaped design con-
tributes to lower energy demand for
lighting by ensuring the office worksta-
tions are located in the exterior portions
of the building where they receive good
natural light. Each workstation is fitted
with a photo-sensitive switch that turns
the light on when people arrive at their
workstations and off when they depart.
All lights are low-energy and all of the
service areas are located in the middle
where 12V down-lighters and emer-
gency lighting are installed.
In the factory section, low energy
consumption, compact fluorescent lights
are fitted. The power reticulation grid to
the lights allows individual units within
the factory to turn their lights on and off
as required. For working overtime, only
the section involved need be lit.
The Longmeadow facility has the
ABB Building Management System
(BMS) which is programmed to auto-
mate, control and manage all of the
energy demands in the building with the
result that the entire operation is as
energy efficient as possible. The BMS
provides a wide range of control func-
tions, including fire control, security,
power monitoring and air conditioning
control. Variable speed drives, or VSDs,
provide infinite control over the speed of
motors driving pumps and fans, maximi-
sing the building’s environment by
matching the temperature and humidity
to the demands of the prevailing wea-
ther and the number of occupants.
35contact 2|11
Executive editor: Karen Wilds
Editor-in-chief: Uday Mohanty
Editorial board: Anshuman N, Chesney Bradshaw,
Deepak Sood, Eubulus Pillay, Graham Craven,
Juliane Lenzner, Ken Fox, Lalit Tejwani,
Midhun Murali, Mohan N, Neil Quadros,
Sohair Hosny, Syam Mohan, Tuija Elomaa-Maenpaa
Design and layout: Ashish Shukul,
Mark Sarmiento, Michael Wachter
Contact is published in English for circulation
among ABB customers and stakeholders with an
interest in ABB offerings, products and
technologies.
Partial reprints or reproductions are permitted
subject to full acknowledgement. Complete reprints
require the publisher’s written consent.
Publisher and copyright ©2011
ABB Limited.
Disclaimer
The information contained herein reflects the views
of the authors and is for informational purposes
only. Readers should not act upon the information
contained herein without seeking professional
advice. We make publications available with the
understanding that the authors are not rendering
technical or other professional advice or opinions on
specific facts or matters and assume no liability
whatsoever in connection with their use.
The companies of the ABB Group do not make any
warranty or guarantee, or promise, expressed or
implied, concerning the content or accuracy of the
views expressed herein.
Water is the elixir of life. It is an essential resource for our eco-systems and the key factor supporting development activities from agriculture and industry to energy. It is of utmost importance to use this precious natural resource in a scientific and sustaina-ble manner. Our goal is to optimize the employment of water and energy resources and to manage the integrated water cycle with efficiency and effectiveness.
ABB products and solutions are designed to improve the per-formance of water plants and networks. Our high efficiency motors and variable speed drives improve energy efficiency by up to 60 per cent. ABB water leakage management solutions help utilities to monitor and reduce losses from distribution networks. Irrigation solutions help to monitor and optimize water consump-tion in agricultural applications.
Learn about how ABB can serve you in the entire water cycle. From collection, through purification and transportation to distri-bution and re-use, we are ready to serve you with enhanced, efficient and reliable product and solutions.
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Products and solutions for the complete water cycle
36 contact 2|11
As the world’s leading company for energy and automation technology, ABB plays a vital role in the efficient and safe operation of railway public transportation systems and therefore also the sustainable care of the environment. Our reliable products can be found wherever railway services are set in motion by means of electrical energy, for example with energy-efficient on-board traction power supplies, infrastructure systems and network management solutions. www.abb.com/railway
Powering the railways. Efficient and reliable solutions for sustainable mobility.
INNOTRANSBerlin, 21. – 24. September 2010Halls 2.2 & 26, Stands 207 & 226